Machine House Brewery is opening a Central District pub.

Machine House Brewery will likely start pouring English-style beers at its new 14th and Jefferson location in June

Georgetown’s Machine House Brewery, which has cornered the Seattle market on English-style cask ale (sometimes known as “real ale” for its natural carbonation), is finishing its Central District expansion and hoping for a June opening. The new taproom at 1315 E. Jefferson, next to outstanding French-meets-Northwest restaurant and bar L’Oursin, will pour ten cask-conditioned beers from custom English beer engines alongside a small food menu, televised football (i.e. soccer) games, and a small patio.

Machine House, founded in Georgetown in 2013, has earned its place on the list of Seattle’s essential breweries for its excellent cask ales, which are naturally re-fermented in the serving vessel and therefore don’t carry the hefty artificial fizz of most modern beers. The cool “cellar temperature” they’re served at also means these beers aren’t ice-cold, which can put off unfamiliar drinkers but also allows fuller flavors and aromas to express themselves. And many are “sessionable,” with a lower-than-average alcohol by volume — they might stick close to 4 percent rather than 7 or higher — which allows a customer to drink several over a session without fear of quick intoxication. Because of the added complications of making and selling these beers, a lot of breweries and bars can’t or won’t serve them — or at least not well, which is part of the reason Machine House is expanding, as the company told the Capitol Hill Seattle blog in January.

While Machine House plans to add a couple of rotating guest taps to the new taproom, it will pour mostly house ales, like a stinging nettle amber, oyster stout, single hop Comet pale, imperial stout, and winter warmer. The food menu is still being finalized, but co-owners Alex Brenner and Bill Arnott are planning on English pub grub.

The brewery is raising money for its construction efforts via a Founder’s Club. It’s hoping to recruit 150 memberships at $400 each, which includes perks like a T-shirt, commemorative mug, $1 off pints and growlers, and access to members-only events and discounts.




Pacific Northwest Salmon

Study Reveals Decline in Pacific Northwest Salmon Population


Non-profit organization ‘Long Live the Kings’ is investigating the startling downfall of salmon population in Pacific Northwest recently. Salmon species are critical for maintaining biodiversity; yet, it is unknown what is causing the rapid decline in genetic diversity and population. The Salish Sea Marine Survival project has undertaken the task of tracking migration of marine species and determining the cause of decline in salmon population.

Researchers state that salmon is important for the maintenance of Northwest economy and culture. Northwest is known for its green forests and clear, blue sea waters, with salmon being the highlight of the region. Salmon has been identified as crucial to maintaining economic growth and for successful cultural integration.

The salmon population in the Northwest has been on a decline since 1980s. Currently, over 80 studies and 200 experts are trying to seek answers for the cause of decline in salmon population. Experts are looking into factors such as predatory behaviors, ocean contamination, threats to habitat and prey availability. Furthermore, researchers are working on a sophisticated, high-tech ecosystem model – Puget Sound – to solve the case. The model would be completed by next year. Experts would enter details into the database, which would then reveal a map that would guide them to solutions.

According to Schimidt, one of the answers could be found by dissecting salmon. By investigating the stomach, experts investigate what the salmon is consuming. Furthermore, they are also looking into excretion material of potential predators, such as seals, to determine whether they have been eating salmon, at what rate and what role they play in affecting the population decline.

Seals could be responsible for the population decline of salmon since the increase in man-built infrastructure on sea water, which directed seals into pathways of salmon migration. Development projects such as Hood Canal Bridge and Ballard Locks have diverted seals to the pathway of salmon, where their presence is unusual. Furthermore, conservation and fisheries’ trade-offs could play a role in population reduction.

Long Live the Kings is on board to investigate the reduction so that future generations could still consider salmon as a cultural icon, not species of the past. The organization is also conducting STEM classroom sessions for students to raise awareness about importance of salmon and what makes it vital to Northwest’s sustainability. The food chain is also affected if salmon goes extinct, particularly orcas.

Chinook salmon is native to Pacific Northwest, which also houses major fisheries and tribal cultural traditions. A study revealed that two-thirds of the salmon population has already been lost during the past 7,000 years. Since salmon are part of the food chain, the loss of species would also threaten the ecosystem and raise difficulties for other species to adapt to climate change and ocean acidification. Global warming and the ever-rising carbon dioxide component in the ocean are increasingly threatening the survival of marine species.

Experts collaborated with Native American tribes to obtain access to 7000-year old salmon bones and debris. In 346 samples, mitochondrial DNA, which can be easily obtained from archaeological sites, was examined and compared with present samples of 379 Chinook salmon. Experts measured the degree to which DNA varied to ascertain lineages in species. The modern diversity of species was then compared to past lineages.

The study attributed the decline of salmon population to overfishing, habitat loss and infrastructure development projects in the Columbia River Basin. To increase the salmon population, millions of salmon are released every year from hatcheries into the coastal waters. An expert suggested that the climate change could be happening at a faster rate than the ability of the salmon to adapt.

Genetic diversity plays a significant role in enabling species to keep up with rapidly changing environmental conditions.  In the case of salmon, certain individuals may possess DNA that enables them to adapt to global warming and fight disease. Loss of diversity imposes a genetic strain on the food chain and survival of species. Data shows that between 1880s and 1920s, 11 million kilograms of Chinook salmon could be harvested every year; the figure has now plummeted to 2 million kilograms every year today. The fish released from hatcheries are identical to wild salmon species. The factors causing the decline of wild species include loss of diversity, agricultural projects and destruction of stream habitats. The construction of dams has prevented salmon from reaching their habitat.

The report also showed that there was rich genetic diversity prior to the arrival of Europeans. Nevertheless, there are no conclusive results to justify decline of salmon population. Native Americans have fished for salmon for thousands of years near waterfalls and bottlenecks. Europeans arrived in 1860s, established commercial fisheries and harvested over 24 million pounds of Chinook annually, which fell to 15 million pounds per year by 1950s. The dams built in 1941 prevented salmon for 1,000 to the upper river. 

Biodiversity is crucial to the survival of species and create a stable future for human beings. all living organisms – marine species, plantations and animals are part of the food chain that is necessary to ensure a sustainable future for human beings. Biodiversity conservation is important to maintain a balance in the ecosystem and enable adaptability of species to changing climate conditions. We have been losing species due to global warming, ocean acidification, pollution and habitat loss, which in turn threaten the survival of humans. A sustainable ecosystem plays a vital role in provision of breathable air, medicines, biological resources, food and wellbeing.  A dearth of these resources is bound to create shortages, scarcity and crises.

Today, human beings are accountable for loss of biodiversity. Species have already gone extinct and continue to be endangered. Experts predict that nearly 30 percent of species would go extinct by 2050; 25 percent mammals may die out within 20 years and one-third of global species are already threatened. Destruction of one element in the ecosystem disrupts the entire balance. If we disrupt the natural balance, we would be losing out. The threat to species would in turn only threaten our survival. 

The internet is such a relatively young industry that changes so quickly, just being a name that’s been around for the last ten years is a major stretch.

Most of the huge names on the web that we all know have barely been around that long and lasting twenty years is a rare feat, one usually only reserved for the biggest companies. Being around for almost thirty years is a singular accomplishment, something like the dot com equivalent of summiting Mount Everest or walking the Appalachian Trail. There are so few people who can brag of such a thing, it’s worth listening to the ones who do.

Seattle software developers has survived the test of time.

In the last three decades, software development firms have had to diversify what they adding web design or UI work. Gone are the days of assembling web pages together and or coding a solution and being done with it.

With apps, user interfaces, gaming and mobile development quickly moving to the forefront, only the best firms have the skills and flexibility to change with the times and Seattle Software Developers is becoming the boutique solution not only for Northwest startups but  also clients as far away as China and Taiwan.

Founded in 1989, Seattle Software Developers is smack dab in the area known as Silicon Forest and they are not just another Seattle company. Technically, the company is not even in Seattle.  

With its main office in Bellevue, Washington, this collective of former Microsoft and Google employees has branched out into offices in London, Rome and Augsburg, Germany.  Their vintage 1970's style office situated in the old historic section of Bellevue is filled with vintage movie posters and even Jimi Hendrix's 1964 Fender twin Reverb.

Launching their first website on the net on Alta vista back in 1989 in a time where most people had no idea the Internet existed, Seattle Software Developers has explored the early days venturing into advertising before focusing on coding systems. The founder of the company developed most of Alta Vista's search algorithm which became the foundation for search engines like Google and Bing.

Seattle Software Developers have had their ranks bolstered by former members of both companies and have managed to boost their networks by meshing with the Internet icons while happily maintaining their independence in such a way that many large fortune 500 firms flock to the small boutique Bellevue firm to get some special “Mac sauce” sprinkled on their apps and developments.

That solo spirit has led to the development of dozens of websites, countless print projects, games designed from the ground up and countless apps emerging at a steady rate and two of the software developers gaming apps have hit the top ten.

According to managing partner Julian Valentine,  Seattle Software Developers’ is currently concentrating on their newest build which is going to change the pet care industry forever.

Their client BabelBark, is a unique pet application that functions as a website, an app, and a platform all in one.  BabelBark has become one of the important developments of Seattle Software Developers career and will completely change the pet care industry as we know it.

With almost 65% of families in the United States caring for pets, BabelBark keeps track of healthcare and pet management.

With the advent of big box pet stores, the pet supply industry accounts for tens of billions of dollars spent. People are spending more on their pets than ever before and that kind of money inspires people to want to shop around, ensuring that they’re getting the best for their furry family.

What BabelBark offers is the ability to keep everything your dog could ever want in one place as well as track down new options for doctors, pet food and toys all on your phone. A free mobile application, BabelBark offers an optional tracker for your dog's collar that helps you track and manage your dog’s needs by connecting your dog's information and activity with your veterinarian, local pet store, dog walker, pet sitter and kennel.  The app also offers alerts for reminders, coupons, and discounts on all the things your four-legged friend needs.

The thing that makes BabelBark so game-changing is how it connects your dog’s information with your favorite veterinarian and pet businesses to ensure scheduling check-ups and grooming appointments are easier to make and to keep. The app securely stores and shares your dog’s medical records, pet licenses, lost & found information and care details. Using the app as a tracker, you can easily collect details about your dog's diet, activity and medical dosage, making it easier to give an accurate rundown the next time your dog has to see their doctor.

Additionally, the app allows for Yelp-like browsing of pet stores, vets, groomers and other pet services in your neighborhood, using ratings to track down the best option for your dog.  The app also includes detailed nutritional information for nearly 800 dog food brands and consumer information sheets for over 2,000 medications and supplements, ensuring you’ll never wonder just what you’re putting in Fido’s bowl or what the side-effects from their medication might be. While walking the dog might be a chore at times, now you can track your route and mileage with the built-in GPS or more closely monitor your dog’s daily activity with the optional tracker. If you or your dog is a Type-A personality, you can also use the app to set goals for your dog’s daily fitness, diet and medicine intake.

The internet is awash with various apps and platforms available for all the separate aspects of dog ownership, but combining them all together ensures the human in charge of everything is able to keep it all straight. Plus, with its focus on independent services, you can feel better about supporting your community while keeping your pet happy. The founders of BabelBark believe that regional, independent businesses have an advantage over corporate giants and big box stores that may offer convenience but lack that human touch.

The sense of community that BabelBark fosters is its secret ingredient. With a reliance on local business and the opinions of fellow users, BabelBark hopes to make dog owner solidarity not just a thing that exists only in dog parks, but sits comfortably in your pocket. As it’s begun rolling out, BabelBark is connecting thousands of veterinarians and dog service providers with dog parents across the country.  Small businesses are offering deals to their local customers on the newest dog toys in stock. Dogs quality of life is improving while their humans have more time to enjoy with their fur-faced friend.

Back in the Silicon Forest, Seattle Software Developers were able to implement everything their clients had in mind to smoothly roll out BabelBark to the public. Now that it’s been stress-tested and debugged, the coders are busy making small changes to BabelBark, tweaking the platform, website and app for an even smoother experience. As more people download and use the service and as more vets and pet stores register, new adjustments become necessary to make it even easier to switch from making an appointment with the groomer down the street to checking whether there’s a better food option for Rover in the meantime.

Even as they juggle new projects coming in daily, Seattle Software Developers have had decades of time and experience on the job, making them able to easily juggle a workload that would stun most companies and make sure they get it right. As the Internet continues to shift and change, Seattle Software Developers will be around to make sure that platforms like BabelBark and their other clients are able to adjust to whatever new online innovations arrive, the same way they’ve been there to help the Internet evolve over the last thirty years.

Valentine's Day is coming, and while it might be easy to go for the usual flowers-and-chocolate, why not shake things up with a creative gift for the woman of your dreams? One of the hottest gifting trends of the past several years has been subscription boxes. Most are delivered once per month, and you can find everything from records, to cosmetics, to fragrance, luxury items like candles, designer accessories, and even cooking gear for the gourmand. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start.

Every gift should come from the heart, so consider your lady love's lifestyle, interests, and needs. Sure, she may love make-up, but does she already treat herself to the hottest new products? If so, maybe skip the cosmetics boxes. Does she love books? Little treats and surprises? The occasional luxurious addition to her wardrobe? No matter her taste, we have rounded up some of the hottest subscription boxes on the market, including testimonials by our friends who subscribe.

So leave the boring gifts behind and embrace a gift that keeps on giving, treating your bae with reminders of your love every single month. And hey, if she hates it? You didn't really pick it out, right...?

For the woman who loves cosmetics:

"For $10 a month, you can't find cuter, trendier products than Ipsy. I always get an adorable bag filled with things I actually USE. Unlike other cosmetics subscription boxes, I feel like Ipsy actually uses the client profiles to determine what to send out. Last month, I received an amazing lip gloss, a gorgeous metallic nail polish, a dark plum eyeliner I've fallen in love with, and a super cute lip balm. The value always exceeds what I pay, and even though I've been a member for a year, I still haven't received the same item twice." -Janelle Peters, 28

"I'm a huge fan of Play by Sephora. It's reasonably priced, and the best part are the Beauty Insider rewards I receive. I mean, the samples are fantastic of course, but I always look forward to heading into my local store to learn about the products I received. It's always, always high quality stuff--name brand, full sized products more often than not, and an awesome assortment. Sign up immediately!" -Delia Haringer, 32

For the woman who loves jewelry:

"I signed up with Bijoux Box last fall, and it's something I look forward to every single month. It costs $35, but the quality of the items far outweighs the cost. I'm a savvy shopper, so I know I'm definitely getting a great deal. With every box, you get three coordinating pieces. Not matchy-matchy, but items that look great together or individually. You can request not to receive earrings, just in case you don't have pierced ears, and I get so many compliments on my pieces from them. Last month, I got a stunning lariat necklace, a statement necklace, and the cutest rhinestone embellished hair ties. It's a win!" -Amanda-Jo Springer, 27

"Have you heard of Emma and Chloe? It's the best! They send you one piece of French jewelry every month, and let me tell you, it's so well-made. No cheap earrings or crappy necklaces, just beautiful, eye-catching jewelry. My most recent score is a gorgeous gold plated statement ring with an onyx stone and gorgeous details. It was adjustable, classic, and so elegant. It costs $35 a month, and not only do you get a piece of jewelry, but you get a certificate of authenticity with the value of the item."-Ellena North, 38

For the woman who loves snacks:

"I have a sweet tooth, so Candy Club is my absolute favorite box. You get three pounds, three full pounds, of gourmet candy once per month. It's perfect for entertaining or gifting, but honestly I end up munching on most of it myself. I see a lot of movies, so this is the perfect treat to take along with me and actually saves me money at the concession stand. You get to pick what you like: sweet, sour, chocolate, gummies, and so many more. Plus it has the cutest packaging ever!"-Alya Kimball, 41

"One of my New Year's resolutions was to cook more, so I signed up for RawSpiceBar. It's only $8 a month, and you get three or four ground spices plus recipes featuring them. It's so cool, because I've been exposed to flavors I'd never experienced and am actually learning how to effectively use spices in my recipes. The packaging is awesome, never had any explosions, and their customer service is beyond wonderful. Last month, I received licorice salt, which I'd never heard of but has become a staple in my pantry. I can't wait to receive it every month, and it really does feel like a special, inexpensive indulgence. My kitchen has never smelled better!"-Terry Lang-Reed, 33